A blog on building a happy life by Fionnuala Zinnecker

Reasons To Love January

Blue Monday. The dampness and drabness. Empty bank accounts. The gloomiest month of the year. Everything I see and read about January each year makes me think that I am possibly the only person in the world who enjoys January.

Actually like is the wrong word. I love January. I look forward to it, and I have good reason to. In my family it is the birthday month – there’s a birthday a week for the whole month. Now I understand that not everyone in the world can love January just because of my birthday, but I can name you a few more reasons to love January.

Slowness

Christmas and the run up to it are behind us. The holidays are over but a slower pace of life is acceptable. Take advantage of the fact that the world is temporatily running at a slower pace. Take the time to read, go for a walk, leave the office on time or have a lazy weekend.

A Fresh Start

Whatever has happened in the previous year, I always have the feeling in January that I can start afresh. Yes, there may be appointments to keep and commitments to work and other things, but there is still a lot of unplanned time in the year ahead. Time that can be filled with fulfilling dreams, big or small.

Plain Old Cosiness

The days are somewhat drab, the evenings are dark and it is most definitely still winter, the cosiest time of the year. Candles, twinkly lights, throws and hot drinks, all minus santas, reindeer and Christmas trees are perfectly acceptable in January. Spring isn’t raising its pretty little head just yet, so why not settle down on the couch with a hot port or drinking chocolate, a snug rug and a good read while scented candles flicker and fairy lights twinkle around you.

Hearty Dinners

While there is still a chill in the air, there isn’t much that is more satisfying than a warm, hearty meal, whether as a late lunch or in the dark of the evening. Slow cooked joints of meat, stuffed vine leaves, stew with dumplings, a roast chicken, bean casserole and minestrone soup are some of my favourite makes in winter. There’s not need for much fussing about and it is as easy to cook these for two people as it is for ten, making them ideal for supper with friends or family, especially if you open a nice bottle of red to go along with it.

Personally I love January (it’s Feb that I don’t really like) I really enjoy the time to reflect and the energy I get after a good week off at Christmas. I’ll have to employ your tips for when February rolls around!

After a break away from Linky Parties it’s great to be back on the #HomeEtc bandwagon!
Nancy

I have definitely enjoyed January so far. There’s a sense of hope that seems to be greater than any other time of the year. The anticipation of all the good things that will come throughout the year seem to welcome us to the year with joy. Great post! So glad to have found your blog.

What a beautiful post. I felt warm & fuzzy inside while reading it ❤️ I too love January and have a positive outlook on it. You might enjoy my recent blog post about “Blue Monday” http://wp.me/p70sjl-5V

I hear about with the clearing away of the decorations. I find it sad every year. But hey, onwards and upwards. Spring is on the way so we might as well make the most of the remainder of winter while we wait.

Fionnuala is an Irish mama to her three bilingual boys in Germany. She can usually be found, cuppa in hand, in the kitchen or garden with her children, chickens and dog. Planning new projects, writing, cooking, keeping an eye out for vintage treasures and taking photos for her award-winning blog are among her favourite pastimes. Her official job is project manager.